New ECO-STEEL (RFCS) project develops revolutionary eco-friendly technologies for recycling ferritic stainless steel scrap
The ECO-STEEL project develops revolutionary eco-friendly technologies for recycling ferritic stainless steel scrap, targeting significant energy savings and emission reductions in steel manufacturing using two innovative approaches: (1) solid-state consolidation via roll bonding or Conform extrusion without melting, and (2) twin-roll strip casting (TRSC). Target properties include 0.2% proof strength >260 MPa, tensile strength 430-600 MPa, and elongation >20%. To enable these technologies, the project will develop robust protocols for sorting, analyzing, and preparing scrap for novel technologies.
ECO-STEEL pioneers a paradigm shift from traditional high-temperature processes (>1600°C) to lower-temperature operations (700-1100°C), achieving up to 86% energy savings and 84% CO₂ reduction compared to conventional EAF-based methods. The solid-state approach eliminates melting entirely, while TRSC reduces energy use by 70-90% through avoiding intermediate reheating.
The project will develop physical simulation techniques to optimize consolidation parameters and formulate predictive models for solid-state bonding in ferritic stainless steel. Comprehensive microstructural characterization will establish process-composition-property maps for both manufacturing routes.
The project addresses EU Green Deal and Circular Economy objectives by enabling on-site recycling loops, reducing transport emissions, and valorizing contaminated scrap typically underutilized due to tramp elements. Target applications include domestic appliances, kitchen equipment, architectural components, exhaust systems, where cost-effective, corrosion-resistant materials are essential.
Starting at TRL 2 and targeting TRL 5, ECO-STEEL combines metallurgy, materials science, process engineering, and sustainability assessment through advanced modeling and comprehensive life cycle analysis, positioning EU as a leader in sustainable steelmaking while supporting resource sovereignty and decarbonization goals.
Project web site: https://dev.eco-steel.eu/about/
Project duration: 01.10.2026 – 31.03.2030
Project Partners: IMDEA Materials ES (PC), RWTH Aachen DE, UOULU FI, COMTES FHT CZ, Outokumpu Stainless FI
Contact person is Prof. Mahesh Somani
Materials and Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Oulu